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With winter in full swing, the foggy, cold mornings and the overcast drizzly days, things can seem a little dull. So the best way to lighten up and inspire your day is to have something to look forward to at the end of it!

There is nothing better on a cold wintery night than to warm up with some hearty comfort food and to match it with a decent wine, so here are a few pairings that I really enjoy.

Scotch Fillet and Shiraz

A well-seasoned, juicy Scotch fillet cooked medium rare on the BBQ is perfect with a glass of Shiraz. With pepper and spice on the nose and some good firm, yet elegant tannins on the palate and you’ll be promising yourself to do this more often.

Pork Belly and Pinot Noir

Pork belly with cranberry sauce is my absolute favourite but it has to have a good solid crackling too. It will work a treat with a generous, fruit driven Pinot noir. The strawberry and raspberry aromas will complement the cranberry sauce on your plate and the medium body, savoury palate of the Pinot noir will give great support to the meat without overpowering it.

Home-Made Lasagna and an Italian-style Red

I can’t forget the home-made lasagna. The richness of the meat, the weight of the pasta and the mixture of tomatoes and spice call out for a red with balls… Montipulciano! Cherries and black fruits and powerful tannins giving the wine a great texture and length, will help cut through the richest of sauces. This pairing will help you find your inner Italian.

Worth a try this week…

2009 Yering Station Pinot Noir – Yarra Valley

Stay warm,

Alex

Last week: Greetings from the Adelaide Hills